Preventing pauses in algorithms requiring pre-image information concerning modifications during data replication

ABSTRACT

Data accessible to a first process is replicated for use by a second process. Modifications to the data during the replication process may cause algorithms requiring the values of data both before and after replication to pause. Sending the values of the datum, before and after modification, to a process that will access the replicated data enables algorithms that use both values to initiate execution without waiting for the replication process to be completed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of replicating data managed by a data fabric communication network that interconnects the nodes of a distributed computer system and, more particularly, to a method for preventing pauses by algorithms affected by data modifications during the data replication process.

A data fabric is a communication network that interconnects a plurality of distributed computation nodes of a computer system. The distributed computing nodes may be performing a plurality of processes and the data fabric enables the nodes to exchange data and use the data in the performance of the process(es) executing on the local node. The data fabric provides a data infrastructure that distributes and replicates data enabling data to be stored in a distributed memory so that the data may utilized at high rates with low latency and to be frequently updated by a plurality of processes being executed by one or more of the distributed computing nodes of the system.

Distributed data caching is a central feature of a data fabric network, such as the GemFire Enterprise® data fabric from Gemstone Systems Inc. A cache provides temporary storage for data obtained from a data source enabling subsequent local use of the data without the necessity of repeatedly downloading the data from the data source. For example, a data cache may be used to temporarily store, at a local computer, data that is downloaded from an Internet web site. Latency in the use of the data is substantially reduced by the using the data in the local cache rather than downloading the data from a remote source for each use. The replication of data also provides redundant data storage for the system. If a process holding a replica of data fails, the data can be made available from other replicas held by other processes of the system. The GemFire Enterprise data fabric provides data management enabling creation of a plurality of local data caches consistent with the other data sources of the system and the updating of a plurality of replicas of the data to reflect the changes resulting from the use of the data by the nodes of a distributed system.

The GemFire Enterprise data fabric comprises processes enabling data consistency among the various replicas of the data held by the system when a new replica of a data region, a portion of the system's data, is created. Messages communicating changes in the data of a data region are addressed to the various processes of the system holding replicas of the effected data region. When a new replica of the data is to be created, the GemFire Enterprise data fabric notifies the various processes utilizing the data to be replicated of the intention to create a new replica of the data region by copying one of the replicas of the data region held by one of the system's processes and directs the processes to forward any new changes to the data to a new group of processes that includes the process in which the new replica is to be created. The process in which the new replica is to be created stores any changes to the data that are received and, following creation of the new replica, the data of the new replica is updated. All of the processes utilizing the data of the replicated data region capture the changes to the data that were made after the intention to create the new replica is announced to the processes executing on the computing system.

Co-pending U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 11/982,563, incorporated herein by reference, discloses an innovative method of replicating system data which addresses the problem of “in-flight” changes to the data, that is, capturing a change to the data that was made by a process prior to receipt of the notice of intention to create a new replica but was not received by the data replica being copied before the data was replicated. In the innovative data replication method, data produced by operations occurring after the intention to replicate is announced are transmitted to all users of the data. The system monitors each of the communication channels connected to the data to be replicated and when each channel has stabilized, the data is replicated and then updated with the changes to the data resulting from operations occurring after the replication was announced. Capturing “in-flight” changes to the data promotes data consistency in a distributed system.

Since data may be modified by operations undertaken by one or more processes before the intent to replicate the data is announced, algorithms requiring knowledge of the values of data before and after modification typically must block or pause and wait for completion of the replication process and the updating of the replicated data. These algorithms may produce events that are of significance to an application and blocking may significantly interrupt or slow the execution of the application. What is desired, therefore, is a method of replicating data that enables algorithms relying on earlier and later versions of data to initiate operation before data replication is completed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block illustration of a distributed computing system.

FIG. 2 is a block illustration of a computing system.

FIG. 3 is a block illustration of a plurality of processes utilizing data from a source.

FIG. 4A is a flow diagram of a portion of a method of replicating data.

FIG. 4B is a continuation of the flow diagram of the data replication method illustrated in FIG. 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring in detail to the drawings where similar parts are identified by like reference numerals, and, more particularly to FIG. 1, an exemplary distributed computing system 20 includes a plurality of computing nodes 22, 24, 26, 28 that are communicatively interconnected by a data fabric 30. The type of software executing on the nodes and the type of hardware that implements each node depends upon the application and may vary.

For example, the nodes may be personal computers connected to one or more remote computers, such as a server presenting data for a website, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Components of the personal computer 110 may include, but are not limited to, a processing unit 120, a system memory 130, and a system bus 122 that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit. The system bus may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus also known as a Mezzanine bus.

The computer 110 typically includes a variety of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computer 110 and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can accessed by the computer 110. Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

The system memory 130 includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) 132 and random access memory (RAM) 134. A basic input/output system 136 (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer 110, such as during start-up, is typically stored in ROM. RAM typically contains data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently being operated on by processing unit. By way of example, and not limitation, operating system 138, application programs 140, other program modules 142 and program data 144 are stored on RAM in the computer 110.

The computer may also include other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. By way of example only, FIG. 2 illustrates non-removable, non-volatile memory device 146, such as a hard disk drive that reads from or writes to non-removable, nonvolatile magnetic media, removable, non-volatile memory device 148 that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile storage medium 150, such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk, such as a CD ROM or other optical media. Other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media that can be used in the exemplary computing environment include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, digital video tape, solid state RAM, solid state ROM, and the like. The non-removable, non-volatile storage device is typically connected to the system bus through a non-removable memory interface such as interface 152, and the removable, non-volatile storage device is typically connected to the system bus by a removable memory interface, such as interface 154.

The storage devices and their associated storage media, discussed above provide storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer. In FIG. 2, for example, the non-removable, non-volatile storage is illustrated as storing operating system 156, application programs 158, other program modules 160 and program data 162. These components can be the same as or different from operating system 138, application programs 140, other program modules 142, and program data 144. Different reference numbers for the operating system, application programs, other program modules, and program data in the different memory location are intended illustrate that, at a minimum, they are different copies. A user may enter commands and information into the computer through input devices such as a keyboard 164 and pointing device 166, commonly referred to as a mouse, trackball or touch pad. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit through a user input interface 168 that is coupled to the system bus, but may be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game port or a universal serial bus (USB). A monitor 170 or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus via an interface, such as a video interface 172. In addition to the monitor, computers may also include other peripheral output devices such as speakers and/or a printer 174, which may be connected through an output peripheral interface 176.

The computer may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer 180. The remote computer 180 may be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described above with regard to the computer 110, although only a memory storage device 182 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The logical connections depicted in FIG. 1 include a local area network (LAN) 184 and a wide area network (WAN) 188, but may also include other networks. Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet. When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer is connected to the LAN through a network interface or adapter 186. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer typically includes a modem 188 or other means for establishing communications over the WAN, such as the Internet. The modem, which may be internal or external, may be connected to the system bus via the user input interface or another appropriate mechanism. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 110, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. By way of example, and not limitation, FIG. 2 illustrates remote application programs 192 and data 193 as residing on the remote memory device 182. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used.

The computing system 100 is only one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the data replication method. The data replication method is operable with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with the invention include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like. For example, the nodes of the distributed computing system may comprise a number of processors operating in parallel in a single computer. Neither should the computing system 100 be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary system.

The data replication method may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and so forth that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The data replication method particularly suited for use in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote computing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.

Each node of the distributed computing system 20 may be executing one or more programs or processes 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 and some of the processes may utilize data which is held by one or more other processes and may, as a result of execution of the process, alter the values of the data held by the other process(es). The data fabric 30 provides an operational data infrastructure that distributes and replicates data to enable storage of the data across a memory that may distributed among a plurality of the nodes. Distributed storage and replication of data enables processes to rapidly access the data from a local cache reducing the latency of the computing system and provides redundancy enabling the computing system to continue to access the data even if a process holding the data fails.

Referring to FIG. 3, in a second representation of the exemplary distributed computing system 20 a process A (32) executing on the system holds a plurality of data 42. The data may be divided into a plurality of data regions, such as data region 1 (44). Typically, the data regions comprise a plurality of like or related data. Four processes, process A, process B (34), process C (36), and process D (38) are being executed on the exemplary system. All of the processes are using the data of data region 1 and, typically, holding replicas of the region's data.

When one of the processes B-D, alters a datum of data region 1, the change is transmitted to the group of processes using the datum or holding replicas of data region 1. The change is transmitted to process A over one of a plurality of communication channels, channel 1 (46), channel 2 (48), channel 3 (50) and channel 4 (52), that connect data region 1 to the respective processes that utilize the regions' data. If process B changes the data of data region 1, a message with the new value of the data is transmitted to the data region over either communication channel 1 or communication channel 2. Similarly, a change to data region 1 produced by process C is transmitted to data region 1 over communication channel 3 and a change to the data region by process D is transmitted over communication channel 4. At anytime, processes B, C, or D may be executing an operation that alters data region 1 and one or more messages reflecting change(s) in the data may be in transit to the data region on one of the communication channels that interconnects the processes and data region 1.

The message traffic of each of the communication channels of the computing system 20 is monitored by the computing system. A transmission monitor 54 monitors message transmissions on each communication channel and a reception monitor 56 tracks the receipt of messages for each channel. The monitors may comprise counters that log the number of messages transmitted and received or may comprise another device that tracks another metric that indicates that a message received by the data region from a communication channel is as current as the messages transmitted over the channel.

To provide redundant data storage, a local data cache to reduce latency, or to suit another purpose, it is desired that the data of data region 1 be replicated in process E (40) executing on the distributed computing system. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the process of data replication 200 is initiated 202 when data region 1 is selected for replication 206 in, for example, Process E. The intention to replicate the data region is announced to the processes executing on the system 204 and a state marker message is transmitted to each of the processes using or holding a replica of data region 1 (212). The state marker message causes an image of the data that is to be replicated to be captured. When the state marker message is received 210, each process identifies the communication channel(s) 212 that connects it to the replica of data region 1 in Process A. The processes utilizing or holding replicas of data region 1 are directed to communicate all changes in the data of data region 1, resulting from operations undertaken subsequent to the receipt of the notice of intent to replicate, to a new group of recipients that includes the process, Process E, in which the new replica will be created 214. The process in which the new replica will be created, Process E, stores the changes or “post image data” resulting from operations undertaken subsequent to the state marker message 216. Operations undertaken before receipt of the state marker message continue and any changes to the data of data region 1 are also transmitted to all holders of the existing replicas of data region 1, including Process A. If the operations modify the data of the data region being replicated after the data is captured 216, the value of the data before the modification or “pre-image” data is also transmitted to Process E 218. Pre-image and post-image data can be input to algorithms of Process E requiring knowledge of the values of the data, both before and after alteration by an operation, after the receipt of the state marker message enabling the algorithm to begin executing 220 before the data replication is completed.

With the completion of operations undertaken before receipt of the state marker message 222, the state of each communication channel is determined. The status of the transmission monitor for each communication channel connected to the replica of the data to be copied is determined 224. For example, the number of messages transmitted to the existing group of users or holders of existing replicas of the data region is determined. Likewise, the status of reception monitor is determined 226. If messages directed to the group of processes using or holding a replica of data region 1 have been transmitted over a communication channel but have not been received by data region 1, the system continues monitoring the communication channel 228. If all of the messages that have been transmitted over the communication channel to existing holders or users of the data have been received 228, the communication channel is stabilized. The data included in the replica of data region 1 held by Process A has stabilized 230 when all of the communication channels connected to Process A's replica of data region 1 have stabilized 228, 228A. Alternatively, when all of the communication channels connecting a process and Process A's replica of data region 1 have stabilized then the data of the replica has stabilized as to the respective process. Process E may be notified that the data to be replicated has stabilized with respect to a process when all of the communication channels connecting the process and the replica of the data have stabilized or when all communication channels communicating changes to the replica to be copied have stabilized.

When the data of Process A's replica of data region 1 has stabilized with respect to all processes 230, that is, when all of the messages addressed to existing holders and users of the data to be copied and transmitted to the replica of data region 1 held by Process A over all of the communication channels connecting the system's processes to the replica of data region 1 have been received, the data region is replicated in Process E 232. When replication is complete, the new replica in Process E is updated 234 from the stored “post-image” data completing the replication process. The completion of replication is announced to all processes of the group holding replicas of data region 1 (236) and the transmission of pre-image data ceases 238. The result of any subsequent operation on the data is communicated to all replicas of the data, including the replica held by Process E.

The data replication process ensures data consistency by monitoring the communication channel(s) communicating changes to the data that is to be replicated to determine if changes are “in flight” from one or more processes. “In flight” changes are incorporated in the data to be replicated to prevent newer data from being overwritten by older data that is contained in the data region that is being copied. Algorithms utilizing before and after values of modified data are not required to pause and await completion of operations that were undertaken, but not completed, before the data region was imaged reducing latency in distributed computing systems.

The detailed description, above, sets forth numerous specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuitry have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present invention.

All the references cited herein are incorporated by reference.

The terms and expressions that have been employed in the foregoing specification are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the claims that follow. 

1. A method of replicating data accessible to and alterable by a first process, said first process and a second process executing on a computing system, said method comprising the steps of: (a) capturing data for copying; (b) if a value of a captured datum is altered after said data is captured and before said captured data is copied, transmitting a copy of said captured datum and a copy of said altered value of said captured datum to said second process; and (c) replicating said captured data for access by said second process.
 2. The method of replicating data of claim 1 further comprising the step of updating said replicated data by replacing said captured datum with said altered value of said captured datum.
 3. The method of replicating data of claim 1 further comprising the step of inputting said captured datum and said value of said altered value of said captured datum to an algorithm of said second process.
 4. The method of replicating data of claim 1 further comprising the step of transmitting said altered value of said captured datum to a second replica of said data for use by a third process.
 5. The method of replicating data of claim 1 wherein the step of replicating said captured data is performed after completion of all operations capable of altering said captured data undertaken before capture of said data by said first process and any other process capable of altering said captured data.
 6. The method of replicating data of claim 5 wherein the step of replicating said captured data is performed after completion of all operations capable of altering said captured data undertaken before capture of said data by said first process and any other process capable of altering said captured data comprises the steps of: (a) monitoring message transmission from said first process and any other process capable of altering said captured data to said data accessible to said first process; (b) monitoring message receipt from said first process and any other process capable of altering said captured data; and (c) replicating said data when a received message related to said captured data is as current as a transmitted message related to said captured data.
 7. A method of replicating data accessible to a first process and alterable by at least said first process, said replica of said data accessible to a second process and alterable by at least said first process and said second process, said method comprising the steps of: (a) capturing a portion of said data accessible to said first process to be copied; (b) if a value of a datum included in said captured data is altered, transmitting said value of said altered datum to said first process, said second process and any other process capable of altering said value of said datum; (c) transmitting a copy of said datum before alteration from said captured data to said second process; (d) making said altered datum and said datum before alteration available to said second process for input to an algorithm of said second process; (e) replicating said captured data; and (f) replacing said datum in said captured data with said altered datum.
 8. The method of replicating data of claim 7 wherein the step of replicating said captured data is performed after completion of all operations capable of altering said captured data undertaken before capture of said data by said first process and any other process capable of altering said captured data.
 9. The method of replicating data of claim 8 wherein the step of replicating said captured data is performed after completion of all operations capable of altering said captured data undertaken before capture of said data by said first process and any other process capable of altering said captured data comprises the steps of: (a) monitoring message transmission from said first process and any other process capable of altering said captured data to said data accessible to said first process; (b) monitoring message receipt from said first process and any other process capable of altering said captured data; and (c) replicating said data when a received message related to said captured data is as current as a transmitted message related to said captured data.
 10. The method of replicating data of claim 7 wherein said data accessible to said first process is stored in first computer memory and said replica of said data is created in a second computer memory.
 11. A computing system comprising: (a) at least one processing unit for executing at least one of a first process and a second process; (b) a memory storing data accessible by said first process and alterable by at least said first process, said data not accessible by said second process; and (c) at least one program instruction executable by said processing unit enabling replication of a portion of said data in a portion of said memory accessible to said second process, said program instruction causing transmission of an unaltered value of a datum included in said data to be replicated and an altered value of said datum to said second process if said datum is altered after said data to be replicated is captured but before said captured data is replicated, said altered value of said datum and said unaltered value of said datum available to said second process before said data is replicated.
 12. The computing system of claim 11 wherein said altered value of said data is stored in a portion of said memory accessible to said second process.
 13. The computing system of claim 12 further comprising another program instruction causing said processing unit to replace said unaltered value of said datum in said replicated data with said altered value of said datum.
 14. The computing system of claim 10 wherein said memory storing data accessible to said first process is accessible by a first processing unit and said portion of said memory accessible to said second process is accessible by a second processing unit.
 15. The computing system of claim 10 further comprising: (a) a first monitor tracking transmission of messages related to said captured data; (b) a second monitor tracking receipt of messages related to said captured data; and (c) a program instruction initiating replication of said captured data when a received message related to said captured data is as current as a transmitted message related to said captured data. 